Tesla has implemented notable updates to its Model Y lineup, introducing two major interior upgrades and a refreshed seven-seat option. With these adjustments, Tesla aims to respond to customer input and adapt its vehicle offerings as the new model year launches. These changes arrive as Tesla attempts to address both customer feedback on comfort and technological refinement in its popular crossover, reflecting the company’s efforts to retain buyer interest in a competitive EV market.
While earlier updates to the Model Y focused primarily on drivetrain and performance, current improvements shift attention to in-cabin amenities and configurations. Unlike last year’s rollout of the Model Y Performance variant, which brought several exclusives such as an enlarged touchscreen, the latest revision democratizes certain features across the “Premium” trims. Additionally, the recent relaunch of the seven-seat configuration reportedly offers greater comfort but still appears more appropriate for families with children rather than adult passengers, indicating incremental rather than transformative ergonomic gains.
What Changes Appear in the New Model Y Premium Trims?
Tesla’s Model Y Premium trims now come standard with an all-black headliner, replacing the previous grey style. This design switch directly addresses a long-standing request from customers and enhances the uniformity of the vehicle’s interior. Tesla recognizes the feedback from its community, stating,
“Customers have consistently asked for a darker, more premium interior finish. We’re pleased to deliver on this request.”
The move signals Tesla’s responsiveness to consumer preferences in its premium range.
How Does the Touchscreen Compare to Earlier Models?
Alongside the interior color update, Tesla has upgraded the center touchscreen in all Premium Model Y trims from 15.4 inches to a 16-inch display with higher resolution. This enhancement, previously available only on the Model Y Performance, now offers all Premium buyers a more sophisticated and accessible interface. The company commented on the addition,
“Upgrading to a larger, higher-resolution screen improves usability for all passengers in the Model Y,”
highlighting its focus on in-car digital experience for daily use and navigation.
What’s New with Tesla’s Seven-Seat Configuration?
The updated Model Y now lists a seven-seat configuration in North America, available for an extra $2,500. Marketed toward larger families, the newest layout provides more room in the third row compared to previous attempts, though space remains limited for adults. The additional seating comes on top of the new interior features, making the Premium trims more attractive to prospective buyers who value versatility and storage in a compact crossover.
Many in the EV community have followed Tesla’s incremental improvements to the Model Y since its early years, with previous models often facing criticism over rear seat space in seven-seater configurations and the lack of more refined interior choices. The latest upgrades directly address those concerns, though expectations for dramatic space increases may still go unmet for taller passengers. Still, the pairing of added flexibility with interior enhancements distinguishes this latest refresh from previous model updates, which were more heavily weighted toward drivability or powertrain.
By introducing a more uniform black interior and a larger, higher-resolution touchscreen across its Premium Model Y trims, Tesla appears to be listening more closely to its core customer base. These enhancements, paired with the revised seating option, show the company’s willingness to respond to consumer suggestions about style and functionality, even if some changes may be more cosmetic than structural. Shoppers weighing these updates against competitors may note that the Model Y continues to solidify its position as an EV that balances family utility with minimalistic design, while keeping quality-of-life improvements at the forefront of annual refreshes. Ultimately, those interested in Tesla’s latest move should test drive these models to determine whether the updates meet their practical needs, particularly for third-row passengers. Understanding these interior adjustments can help buyers make more informed choices in a rapidly evolving electric vehicle landscape.
